Zingiberaceae Purpurata commonly called Ginger Lily or Hawaiian Ginger originated in Malaysia and South East Asia and was brought to Hawaii in the mid-1930s. It is an ornamental flowering plant, which is usually red, but can be seen in pink and white varieties.
The Ginger Lily is planted throughout the Caribbean and produces spectacular flowers with a rich spicy scent, and is also noted for its attractive foliage. These tropical showy blooms are in demand by florists and hotels for making large tropical fresh-flower arrangements in hotel lobbies, etc. The flowers are made up of waxy looking bracts and they bloom throughout the year.
Plant Ginger Lilies in rich organic soil with good drainage; they tend to prefer partial shade. They can be reproduced by dividing the rhizomes, and should you want to grow them this way, dig a hole at least half a foot deep and one inch wide in which to place the rhizome. Cover with soil and water thoroughly. These lilies like a moist soil.
Until next week, happy gardening!
